Vol. 527 No. 1
91 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance if the National Roads Authority is one of the scheduled agencies which must comply with the Freedom of Information Act, 1997; if there are any plans to bring the National Roads Authority within the remit of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27906/00]
92 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce the necessary regulations under the Freedom of Information Act to ensure that the National Roads Authority fully complies with the requirements of this legislation; if this will be expedited; and if a date has been agreed for its implementation. [28028/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
The National Roads Authority is not currently covered by the Freedom of Information Act, and no date has been set for its inclusion within FOI.
The remit of the Freedom of Information Act is being extended on an incremental basis. In addition to those bodies specified within the Act itself, dozens of other public bodies have been brought into FOI by way of secondary legislation. Deputies will be aware that preparations are under way to bring further bodies within the Act in 2001. In addition, Government Departments generally are currently being consulted in relation to further extensions of FOI, beyond those already decided upon. The inclusion of the National Roads Authority within the FOI remit will be considered in the context of that exercise.
